Al-Ahli are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin but what would the Frenchman offer to a league that is suddenly brimming with quality?
After Fabrizio Romano gave the ‘Here we go’ on the deal a few days ago, Newcastle have been preparing for life without their Frenchman and recently completed the signing of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.
For Al-Ahli, who also completed the signing of Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City just yesterday, have a top-class winger on their hands, one who can dazzle and make opposition players turn inside and out, but one that can also frustrate at times with his lack of goalscoring impetus.
The fee is reportedly around €30 million (£25 million) for the Frenchman, one that will, over time, probably represent a good deal for both parties as time goes on.
Saint-Maximin to form exciting front three
The French forward will be linking up with Mahrez, as mentioned, but also former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian completed his move to the Saudi side a few months back.
The trio looks likely to form an exciting front three once the deal is complete and there will be hope that Saint-Maximin will be able to cut out his frustrating tendencies.
A brief glance at his time at Newcastle certainly shows where he can frustrate. Despite the winger being the best in Europe’s top five leagues at successful take-ons and progressive carries according to FBREF, the forward scored just once and provided five assists.
Oftentimes, Saint-Maximin struggled to have the cutting-edge finishing that a player in the Premier League requires. He will no doubt be a success in a league where defenders aren’t quite as physical as.they are in England and the hope will be that the winger can shine and maybe earn another move elsewhere.